04/12/2024
CHAMPAGNE LARMANDIER-BERNIER
After a brief encounter at the Trait d’Union tasting earlier this year, hosted at Domaine Jacques Selosse in Avize, we were re-acquainted with Pierre and his family’s terrific Champagnes. A few days later we visited the estate and came away extremely impressed with the quality of the wines and pleased to know we would be bringing this consistently outstanding estate back to L’Esprit du Vin’s portfolio.
The Larmandiers meticulously steward their historic estate in the heart of the Côte des Blancs and since Pierre took the reins in 1988, the estate has undergone remarkable transformation. In 1992, herbicides were abandoned, leading to full organic practices, and for many years the vineyards have been farmed biodynamically (certified from 2021). The domaine spans 19 hectares, primarily in Vertus, at the southern tip of the Côte des Blancs, with exceptional holdings in Cramant, Chouilly, Oger, and Avize.
What sets Larmandier-Bernier apart is its dedication to old vine cultivation, with vines as old as 70 years, yielding a naturally low harvest - uncommon for the region. In the winery, a minimalist philosophy prevails. Indigenous yeasts, long and slow fermentations (lasting up to two months), and minimal sulphur define their approach. A combination of large oak vats and amphorae are adopted for aging, and dosage levels remain extremely low, or omitted altogether. Every decision in the cellar is made with the aim of revealing the purest expression of terroir, village, and vintage.
The results are wines of profound elegance and vibrancy, driven by an intense minerality that lingers on the palate, drawing you back for more.
Larmandier-Bernier, like all great growers, continues to evolve and ascend. While the wines retain their characteristic energy and minerality, they now display even greater depth and complexity. This is partly due to extended lees aging and the addition of a new underground cellar which has allowed the Larmandiers to age their champagnes longer before release, a vision they’ve nurtured for years.
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